Bookfest 2026!
A nonprofit fundraiser supporting
Family Reading Partnership of Chemung ValleySupport early literacy! Help us give free books to kids and families across Chemung Valley today!
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Book Fest 2025
Up, Up, & Away With Books!
On Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 12 pm to 3 pm, the Family Reading Partnership of the Chemung Valley proudly presented Book Fest 2025: Up, Up, & Away With Books! Families from across the community gathered in Wisner Park for a free, fun-filled afternoon celebrating books, literacy, and imagination.
Book Fest 2025 featured nationally known performer Doug Rougeux and his Bubble Circus, walk-around magic by Richard Hughson, live music and emceeing by Jeffrey Mathews (“Mr. Jeff”), and an incredible lineup of local authors and illustrators, including Filomena Jack, Kevin Coolidge, Katrina Morse, and Shelly Cadek. Guests also enjoyed activities and games hosted by community partners such as United Way Imagination Library, Community Arts of Elmira, the SPCA, Tanglewood Nature Center, and many others.
Children received free theme-centered books to take home (while supplies lasted), and families had the chance to sit in a real sailplane thanks to the Harris Hill Soaring Corporation. Food was available from B&C Hots and Kool Treats Ice Cream, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Thanks to the support of local organizations, authors, and volunteers, Book Fest 2025 successfully brought hundreds of children and families together to celebrate the joy of reading.
As we look ahead to Book Fest 2026, we need your help to keep this beloved tradition alive. Your donation ensures that children continue to receive free books, that families can enjoy high-quality performances, and that our community can gather each year to celebrate literacy. Together, we can make sure Book Fest 2026 is as success!